Hold on to Tomorrow

by M.B. Henry

A young woman fights to follow her dreams at the start of the 1960s in this gripping, moving, and empowering read.

November 22, 1963. As Jolene Johnson prepares to watch President John F. Kennedy’s parade drive by the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas, she remembers the start of the decade, when the future seemed full of promise and hope.

America was on the brink of change when JFK entered the White House, and Jolene was in college with ambitions of her own. But she had no idea of the struggles that were to come . . .

As Jolene witnesses the country’s deep political divisions take the darkest of turns on that tragic day, can she somehow find the courage to keep her own dreams alive and follow her heart?

This enthralling, hopeful novel about a young woman's determination to fight for a brighter future against a backdrop of political turmoil and tragedy is a great read for fans of The Women by Kristin Hannah.

Genres: Historical Fiction

288 pages, Hardcover

Published April 7, 2026

Reviews

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hold on to Tomorrow by M.B. Henry is a compelling work of historical fiction centered on one of the most devastating days in American history—the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. At the heart of the novel is Jolene Jones, the only child in a conservative, upper–middle‑class Texas household. As the story opens during the Kennedy/Nixon presidential campaign, Jolene faces intense pressure to vote for Nixon—not only from her father, Drew Johnson, but also from her boyfriend, Jacob, who shares her father’s values. Her mother’s expectations are different but no less heavy: she wants Jolene to attend college, not to pursue her dreams, but to find a more “suitable” husband than Jacob, whose family runs the local hardware store and whose plans to enlist in the military don’t align with her ambitions for her daughter.

Jolene, however, has dreams of her own. She enrolls at SMU with the hope of becoming a journalist and building a career before settling down. College exposes her to new ideas and new people—most notably Billy, a charismatic student activist whose passion and leadership open Jolene’s eyes to a world beyond the one she was raised in. Through him, she begins to question long‑held beliefs and discovers the power of owning her voice and her vote.

Everything changes on November 22, 1963, when Jolene witnesses Kennedy’s assassination from outside the Texas School Book Depository, where she works. This moment becomes a turning point not only for her but potentially for her parents as well. Henry’s portrayal of this event—through the eyes of a fictional eyewitness—adds emotional depth to a tragedy that shaped a nation.

For me, this novel offered a much‑needed exploration of what it looks like to break generational patterns and think independently, especially when it comes to something as consequential as voting. I was deeply invested in Jolene’s journey, eager to see where her choices would lead and how she would navigate the shifting landscape of her life. The book delivered on that investment, leaving me both satisfied and reflective.

I also appreciated the perspective Henry provides on how JFK’s assassination may have affected not only the people of Dallas but Americans across the country. Even through fiction, the emotional truth of that moment resonates.

I received this book from NetGalley.

[michelle · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Hold on to Tomorrow was a truly fascinating look into one woman's life right before and after the traumatic event of the assassination of JFK. It takes place with a dual timeline that alternates between the day that JFK was killed and the ensuing aftermath and the 4 years before that event.

Jolene is a strong southern girl who wants more than women typically have in the early 1960s. On the day of JFK's assassination, she is working at the Texas School Book Depository and bumps into Lee Harvey Oswald right before he shoots the president. She finds herself in the middle of history. As she figures out how to navigate that reality, we flashback to her growth from a meek girl who unfailingly trusted her father's opinions to a journalist in her own right. In 1959 she fights her parents in order to go to college and study journalism, even though they expect her to marry, settle down, and have babies. Her eyes are opened to the world outside of her conservative family which causes friction with both her parents and her longtime boyfriend.

This was a fascinating exploration of a young woman's journey during a time when women had very few rights. It was also told from the perspective of Texas conservatives who were completely against JFK and the more liberal man that Jolene meets at school who opens her eyes to some of the suffering going on just miles from her home. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys the historical fiction of Kristin Hannah or Kathleen Quinn.

[Alexis Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” —John F. Kennedy

Although not a fully dual-timeline novel, this story follows a young woman navigating a period of immense change, not only within her country, but within her own life as well. The narrative moves back and forth between Jolene attending the JFK parade and several years earlier, when she is making pivotal decisions about her future and what she hopes to accomplish.

I related strongly to Jolene and found that many of the challenges she faces are ones we still encounter today. While the novel does not shy away from traumatic and difficult experiences, I ultimately finished the book feeling hopeful and optimistic. I especially enjoyed reading about a time period I don’t often explore, and I felt the author did an excellent job capturing the emotions and mindset of American citizens during this moment in history.

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is funny how things change, and yet they remain the same…

Reading about the struggles of Dallas in the 60’s was eye opening and sheds light on how entrenched our country’s beliefs are. And not always for the better.

Jolene (FMC) personally experiences and witnesses the Kennedy tragedy in Dallas along side her own drama. While she is figuring out who she is-she rapidly has to figure out her place in the world and the impact she wants to leave.

She also faces the struggles we all deal with as females. Schooling. Career. Love. Marriage. Motherhood. Being a daughter. Being a woman.

Through this ultimately devastating moment, Jolene finds her own strength. She also discovers the positive in people, even in the darkest moments. There is love and compassion, and hope. Always hope.

This book is a reminder that there is hope. Even in our current times.

And…”ask not what your country can do-ask what you can do for your country. “ JFK

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. The story about Jolene, a young woman living in Dallas, from a prominent family in the early 1960’s is an interesting and enlightening book. This story is an about a tumultuous time in our country and also in this young woman’s life. The story starts in late 1960 just before the presidential election and culminates in the assassination of JFK., during this time frame the Kennedy presidency is highlighted and Jolene asserts her independence and desires for education, respect, a career and her own opinions. I enjoyed this book, it was interesting, fast paced, I enjoyed the character of Jolene and I respected her ideas of independence, realizing that college and careers for women in the early 1960’s was just starting to come into vogue.

[Sandra Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold on to Tomorrow catapults readers into a true, world-shaking event through an unexpected lens. While the JFK assassination in Dallas has been researched and dissected for sixty years, here we’re privy to a new, intimate close-up through Jolene Johnson’s curbside view. Witnessing that horrendous event first-hand would shake anyone, but it’s especially impactful to a young woman working through her own life-changing trauma.
MB Henry’s immersive research skillfully draws us into the turbulent 1960s in a city rife with segregation and division. I especially appreciated Jolene’s awakening to the darker corners of her cushy world, and her willingness to take a stand for her new beliefs in those troubled times. With the ongoing fascination for all things Kennedy, historical fiction fans surely will appreciate this new take on that tragic day and its aftermath.

[Sharon Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was a fantastic depiction of the early 60's. Even though I was a child, I remember many of the images on television and in the news. This story focuses on a young woman named Jolene and her life in the 1960's. She is going to college and wants to change the world for the better. Unfortunately, things do not turn out as she had planned. The author writes about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and how it affected Jolene and the country. The author also deals with other social issues like prejudice. In fact, we are still dealing with some of the issues today. I really liked the ending -it was unexpected. I highly recommend this book to all readers that like to read historical fiction. It's a winner!

[Lori Lebeda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold on to Tomorrow is the third M.B. Henry novel I’ve read, and each one has taught me something new about its time period. Her research is exceptional, and she blends history with storytelling in a way that’s both informative and captivating. I like the way Henry writes about different time periods and the role of women during that time period.

I was born in 1960, so I don’t remember the JFK assassination firsthand, but I grew up hearing my mother describe how deeply it shook the nation — especially the image of young John-John saluting his father’s casket. When Henry wrote that scene, I could almost hear my mother’s voice.

Her characters feel so real that I’m fully pulled into their world. Keep writing, M.B. Henry — I’ll keep reading.

[Amanda Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great alignment of one woman’s journey of self discovery with a nation faced with shock, grief and massive change. It was a little slow to start but once I became familiar with the narrative format, it was easier to comprehend and enjoy.

Jolene’s journey set alongside the Kennedy presidency was a great look into the life of women in the early 1960s. However, the privilege that Jolene enjoyed thanks to her family’s money and community standing makes me believe that while she experienced her own unique set of challenges, her journey may have been slightly easier than the average female citizen of the time.

[Diane Vallere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, taking place against a backdrop of the JFK assassination in Dallas in 1963, has an unexpectedly hopeful spirit. The main character comes of age in a way, learning to lean less on the adults in the room (some of whom don't encourage her growing independence and desire to make her own decisions). If you're like me and have more than a passing interest in that day, you'll enjoy the insider view of what went down as you follow an employee of the book depository. Charming and spirited.

I received an ARC of the book; opinions are my own.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise but I couldn’t quite connect with Jolene or the story. The story itself was fascinating, following Jolene as she breaks away from the world she knows and finds her own way, during so much change in the country. My issue wasn’t so much with her struggles or the story overall; it was with the writing, which seemed so informal and simple for such a serious topic. It didn’t make it easy to understand her motivations and feelings, and, though I finished it, I didn’t really enjoy the writing style.

Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

November 22, 1963. Jolene Johnson is excited to watch President John F. Kennedy’s parade drive by the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas, where she works.She has a front row view of the assination. As the nation is thrown into turmoil, the story flashes back into the traumatic year Jolene has had.

I enjoyed this story so much. I love the author used the JFK assaination as a central point of the story.

Thank you Severn House and NetGalley.#HoldontoTomorrow #NetGalley.

[Liu Schoen · Rating 5 out of 5]

thoroughly enjoyed M B Henry’s newest book. It tells the story of JFK’s association, told through the eyes of Jolene, a young woman reach adulthood during that time. I found the descriptions of the political climate and social implications of the early 60’s fascinating . Jolene’s struggle to make sense of what she is witnessing feels very authentic. I was engaged with this story and these characters from the first page.

[Hailey Morris · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want to start by saying thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. Unfortunately, I had to DNF at 20%. I genuinely believe the plot had potential and LOVED the concept, but the writing felt very immature to me. The book was not for me, but it might be for other people.

[Ginger Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing opportunity to understand what it was like to "come of age" in the 60's. I love Jolene's tenacity to overcome life's challenges and Billy's desire to make a difference. This book has something for both genders!

[Jason Utesch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well drawn characters and immensely readable. Henry is always good just the right amount of depth in her historical fiction while still packing an emotional punch.

[Heather Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not particularly interested in history... Today is trouble enough! But. I loved this book ... It makes history feel more real when it is told by such a talented author.

[Wendy Hoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been intrigued about JFK assassination since visiting Dealey plaza years ago. So I really enjoyed this book & learning more about the political environment in our country at that time.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A look back at the location and time period of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November, 22. 1963 in Dallas, Texas. M. B. Henry retells this period through the eyes of a young woman in her early twenties. Jolene, only daughter of an oilman and his mainly alcoholic wife decides she wants more out of her life than marrying for money and spending the rest of her life shopping and decorating her house. She decides she wants to attend college and is met by a vehement no from her father and is rather surprised when her mother gradually becomes inclined to agree with her decision and convinces her father to allow her to attend SMU. Her parents are conservative Republicans and are upset when Jolene becomes aware of social injustices happening in her own Dallas and the country. She vows to become a journalist and soon finds herself taking part in peaceful protests to the point of being arrested for her part in a demonstration. At this point, her father turns against her and forbids her to continue her education. She has a love affair which results in a miscarriage and near death of herself. Eventually she begins work at the Texas Book Depository and is a witness of the actual shooting of the President. A fascinating story of relationships with dominating father, and an alcoholic mother who finally are able to give support and love to a daughter. If we can only keep alive the statement JFK made at his inauguration: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Many thanks to the author, #MBHenry, NetGalley, and #SevernHouse for a digital ARC ebook; this is my honest review.